Will Cassandra Ong reveal personalities tied to POGOs?
Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, known as Cassy, finally appeared before the quad committee of the House of Representatives in the middle of a lengthy 13-hour hearing on Wednesday, August 28.
Cassy’s revelations to name names may end allegations towards several politicians linked to the now banned Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs).
“Ano to, malalaking tao ba na mga Chinese? O, malaking tao na Pilipino? Mga politicians ba ang sinasabi mong ayaw mainvolve sa away ng malalaking tao?” asked the lone District of Santa Rosa Laguna, Dan Fernandez.
Dressed in a white polo shirt and black blazer, Cassy made a modest impression before the House panel. She initially refused to answer questions until Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro explained to her the consequences she may face for doing so.
“Qualified trafficking is non-bailable. It is a capital offense. With your direct participation, in the operation of Lucky South, there’s a strong probability you will be indicted as well for the crime of qualified trafficking. Do you understand that?” Luistro said.
The four committees of the House are probing into Cassy’s alleged ties with the POGOs in Porac, Pampanga and Bamban, Tarlac.
Cassy admitted to knowing Duanren Wu to be her godfather, the best friend of Cassy’s mother, she said.
Wu is also an incorporator of Whirlwind Corporation.
But Cassy denied being a friend and business partner to dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, Alice Guo. This, despite Ong admitting that Guo’s brother, Wesley, is her boyfriend.
Cassy was also with Guo’s sister, Shiela, when they were apprehended in Indonesia on August 22.
24-year-old Cassy is Filipino, based on official records. But both of her parents are Chinese, Richard Ong Chao Hong and Ying Xia Li. Her father sought naturalization in 1978, according to Fernandez.
She was born and raised in San Juan City and speaks Filipino and Chinese fluently. She was also reportedly known to have previously operated a milk tea business before she came to Pampanga province.
Cassy first made her presence felt in December 2021 when she opened her pet-friendly aesthetic center, La Princesa, in Angeles City. She also reportedly owns another business, Cafe Forest, a cafe, restaurant and resort also located in Angeles City.
Both of her businesses are approximately 5 to 10 minutes away from the raided POGO, Lucky South 99 Gaming Incorporated, in Porac, Pampanga. She’s maintained a visible personal security presence on several occasions she was seen with.
Barely in her mid 20s, Cassy became the face of the raided POGO, Lucky South 99 Gaming Incorporated as the authorized representative. She is also an incorporator of Whirlwind Corporation, a real estate company who leases its buildings to Lucky South 99.
She tried to lobby for the POGO’s license together with former presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque where the two had a meeting with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) officials.
On August 26, Cassy’s legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, showed a photo of Cassy and Wu together with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Also in the photo were other public officials with their names added as identifiers including PAGCOR director Jose Maria Ortega, special envoy to China Benito Techico, former Bureau of Customs official Patrick Prudente, retired general Noel Estanislao, and chef Sandy Daza.
Topacio said Cassy has confirmed the photo to be authentic.
“Cassandra Li Ong confirms the authenticity of this picture. Ang sabi niya, ang nakikita niyo rito sa picture na ito ay talagang nandiyan at the same time, at this place, and on that date,” Topacio said during a press conference.
Cassy has yet to decide on whether she will consider having an executive session with the quad comm.
She will remain under the custody of the House of Representatives for the entire duration of the quad committee’s investigation into the crimes related to POGOs, including proliferation of illicit drugs, extra judicial killings, and Illegal transactions facilitated by government agencies and public officials.
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros, sought a request to the quad comm for Cassy to appear at the Senate hearing which is set on Monday, September 2.